New York Thruway Authority: More work to be done before toll hike vote

Syracuse, N.Y. -- The New York State Thruway Authority said it is exploring "a number of options" regarding a proposed 45 percent truck toll hike, its first public statement since canceling two board meetings regarding the increase.

“The proposed toll increase for trucks is a complex issue that requires more evaluation before it is presented to the board to consider," the statement said in an email from Dan Weiller, the Thruway's spokesman. "The Thruway is looking at a number of options and doing extensive research and it will continue to do this due diligence work before another meeting is called and a recommendation is made.”

That short statement is the most the Thruway has said in recent days about its two canceled meetings and lack of agenda outlining what proposals the board might consider, including the 45 percent toll increase.

In May, Thruway Chairman Howard Milstein proposed an increase on tolls for trucks with three or more axles. The authority has said it needs more revenue to keep its revenue to debt ratio in line with a promise to bond holders. The Thruway's operational budget needs help as well; last year, the authority had a $92 million loss.